Manitoba government commits $6.2M for 52 new, safer ambulances

The province has committed millions of dollars to a fleet of ambulances it says are safer for patients and paramedics alike.

A total of $6.2 million went toward the purchase of 52 ambulances with a series of new safety features. Specifically, the province said each unit has a liquid-spring suspension system meant to make for smoother rides through all kinds of Manitoba weather.

The upgrades were studied over the course of the last year to see if they would hold up on roads across the province from January to December.

"This collaborative effort of government with front-line paramedics has resulted in an ambulance that accomplishes two goals: improved comfort for the patient and improved safety mechanisms for both the patient and paramedics," Cameron Ritzer, director of the Paramedic Association of Manitoba, said in a statement.

The ambulances also include a feature that allows operators to lower the ambulance height when loading patients. It is supposed to help prevent back injuries for paramedics.

Premier Greg Sellinger said the ambulances are being delivered to emergency medical stations across the province starting early this month.

"We're all looking forward to getting our new ambulances in the fleet so we can further safeguard paramedic health and extend the comfort they provide to patients and include an improved quality of ambulance ride," Ron Van Denakker, chief executive officer for the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority, said in a release.

Winnipeg will receive nine of the new units, nine are headed to the Southern Health region and 12 are going to the Prairie Mountain Health region. Eighteen ambulances will be sent to the Interlake-Eastern Health region, with another four  going up north.